The professional scene of Counter-Strike 2 is brimming with young talent poised to make a name for themselves on the professional stage. And 2025 may become a breakout time for a couple of them. Below, we highlight ten rising stars under the age of 20, who, despite their youth, have already begun to show immense potential. These players, with the right opportunities, could redefine the competitive scene in the coming year.
kensizor
Kensizor, an 18-year-old rifler who just joined B8, has been a revelation on the tier-3 scene. Known for his aggressive playstyle and incredible impact, he posted one of the highest ADR and entry fragging stats in 2024. With a solid rating of 6.6 across 165 maps, it’s only a matter of time before a bigger team takes notice of this young talent. We will see what he can do against the stronger opposition at BLAST Bounty Spring 2025.
npl
Npl, once part of NAVI’s main roster, spent 2024 on loan with B8. There, he thrived as the team’s standout player, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. With a rating of 6.5 over 298 maps, he helped B8 achieve some of their best results, though they narrowly missed qualifying for a Major. As one of the most experienced players on this list, npl could be a game-changer for any team in need of a reliable performer.
READ MORE: CS2’s Biggest Surprises Of 2024
nilo
At 19, nilo has been one of Europe’s most talked-about prospects. Despite his undeniable skill, he spent 2024 with Metizport, a decision that may have slowed his growth. Still, his potential is evident, as he consistently delivered solid performances with a 6.5 rating over 261 maps. Many believe 2025 could be his breakout year, as interest from larger organizations continues to grow.
jambo
Jambo became the leader of Passion UA in 2024, guiding the team through an unforgettable run to the Major. At 20, his composure under pressure and ability to clutch key rounds—like his memorable defuse against Spirit—proved he’s ready for the next level. With a rating of 6.5 over 356 maps, jambo is a top candidate for a move to a higher-tier team in 2025, already rumored to join Falcons.
ryu
Lithuanian talent ryu, a member of Monte Gen, showed flashes of brilliance during his brief stint with Monte’s main roster. As a 20-year-old anchor, he delivered solid performances in high-pressure situations and later dominated the academy scene. With a 6.2 rating over 151 maps, ryu is a promising player with the ability to climb the ranks quickly in 2025.
xKacpersky
xKacpersky, an 18-year-old ENCE player, already has a LAN victory to his name after helping his team win Elisa Masters Espoo 2024. Despite limited experience, he has shown incredible composure and confidence on stage. With a 6.5 rating over 122 maps, he could be a breakout star for ENCE in 2025, provided he continues to grow alongside his teammates.
kyousuke
At just 16 years old, Kyousuke has been turning heads in Spirit Academy. His raw talent and consistent performances against weaker opposition suggest he’s ready for tougher challenges. With a rating of 7.1 over 136 maps, he has the potential to step into Spirit’s main roster in the future, although his overlapping roles with donk may delay his promotion and waste another year as the club might not sell or loan him.
tomaszin
Representing Argentina, Tomaszin stood out as a key player for BESTIA in 2024. His strong performances at the Thunderpick World Championship and the Americas RMR turned heads, even though his team fell just short of Major qualification. With a rating of 6.4 over 262 maps, Tomaszin has the skills and determination to rise above the regional scene and make an impact internationally.
m1key
M1key, currently without a team, is rumored to be joining OG in 2025. The 20-year-old Czech player had a strong 2024 with UNiTY, impressing in LAN and online tournaments. Despite his team’s struggles at the RMR, M1key’s individual performances, reflected in his 6.3 rating over 171 maps, indicate he’s ready for a bigger stage.
susp
Susp had a turbulent start to 2024, parting ways with Metizport before joining Wildcard. There, the 19-year-old showcased his potential, helping his team reach the ESL Challenger Atlanta semifinals and advance to the main stage of the Major. With a 6.0 rating over 232 maps, susp has proven himself as a versatile player capable of rising to any occasion.
These young players represent the future of Counter-Strike 2. While some have already begun to make their mark, others are just waiting for the right opportunity to shine. As 2025 unfolds, the CS2 community will undoubtedly witness their growth and evolution, with these rising stars leading the charge.
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